Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Books

Milly Johnson's top 5 books about mothers

Just in time for Mother's Day, romance writer Milly Johnson gives us a rundown of her favourite books when it comes to motherhood

The Flight of Cornelia Blackwood

By Susan Elliot Wright

This is a fabulous book which sucked me willingly into its pages. It’s so powerful – from the dark imagery of crows to the sensitive handling of loss and grief. I felt like a little ship tossed on an ocean of emotion while reading it.

The Bad Mother’s Handbook

By Kate Long

No two mums are alike, but love is everything is the theme of this wonderful book. A fabulous portrait of motherhood explored through three generations of women.

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty
Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

The A to Z of Everything

By Debbie Johnson

Sisters Poppy and Rose haven’t spoken for a decade and it’s down to an A-to-Z manual from their late mother – written for them – to sort out that problem. I laughed, I cried, I loved it.

You Me Everything

By Catherine Isaac 

A difficult subject handled with the lightest of touches. Jess takes her son over to France for the summer to bond with his feckless father. But there is so much more to her motive than initially appears. This book landed a Hollywood deal for good reason.

The Hand that First Held Mine

By Maggie O’Farrell

She had me at the title – but then Ms O’Farrell can do no wrong. It’s a split timeline tale where the loose ends come together in a beautiful knot. In this one she has deftly tackled how motherhood changes one’s perception of the world. And it really does!

The Magnificent Mrs Mayhew by Milly Johnson is out now (Simon & Schuster, £14.99)

Advertising helps fund Big Issue’s mission to end poverty

HELP VENDORS KEEP WORKING THROUGH THE COLD

For £36.99, help a vendor stay warm, earn an extra £520, and build a better future.
Grant, vendor

Recommended for you

View all
Palaver by Bryan Washington review: a subtle and deft look at family relationships
Review

Palaver by Bryan Washington review: a subtle and deft look at family relationships

The Cut Up by Louise Welsh review: slippery and morally dubious adventures
Fiction

The Cut Up by Louise Welsh review: slippery and morally dubious adventures

Chairman Mao was Trump but with added brains… and mango 
Books

Chairman Mao was Trump but with added brains… and mango 

Top 5 horror novels, chosen by British Fantasy Award-winning author Catriona Ward
Fiction

Top 5 horror novels, chosen by British Fantasy Award-winning author Catriona Ward